Exercise system and method for its use

ABSTRACT

An exercise system includes at least a first and second pivot pole assembly for supporting and stabilizing a person engaged in exercise. The pivot pole assemblies each include a base plate which is configured to rest on a floor during the use of the system, and a pole portion which is pivotally connected to the base portion by a universal joint. The assemblies may be configured so as to be connectable to one another, and such connection may be achieved through the bases and/or the poles. The system may incorporate weights attachable to the poles and/or may utilize compressible poles to provide an enhanced effect. Further disclosed are exercise programs incorporating the systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/896,512 filed Mar. 23, 2007, entitled “Exercise Device andMethod for its Use” which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to exercise equipment, to methods forthe use of the equipment, and for instructional programs whichincorporate the equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is often desirable to provide enhanced stability to personsparticipating in exercise programs including aerobic programs, strengthtraining programs and physical rehabilitative programs. By enhancinguser stability, risks of injury are reduced. Also, stabilizing aparticipant allows for a greater range of motion to be achieved in anexercise program. Many exercise devices such as treadmills, stairsteppers, elliptical devices, ski trainers and the like includehandgrips or other stabilizing devices. However, many other exercisedevices do not include any type of stabilizing-assembly. Exerciseprograms such as yoga, Pilates, calisthenics, aerobics and the like,generally do not rely upon use of any equipment; but, such exerciseswould also benefit from providing enhanced stability to theirparticipants.

The prior art has implemented a number of systems for enhancing thestability of a person engaged in exercise. Some of such prior artapproaches are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,759,139; 5,244,444;4,249,727; 7,115,078 and 606,747.

As will be explained in detail here, the present invention comprises asimple, easy to use, low cost and relatively lightweight exercise systemwhich includes a pair of assemblies which can stabilize, and at leastpartially support, a user, through a large range of motions associatedwith various types of exercise. The system of the present invention isreadily adaptable to a number of different users and may be easilyconfigured for incorporation into a large variety of exercise programs.These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the drawings, discussion and description which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is an exercise system which is comprised of at least afirst and a second pivot pole assembly. Each pivot pole assemblycomprises a base plate which is configured to rest on a floor during theuse of the system and a pole portion which is pivotally connected to thebase plate by a universal joint. In specific instances, the system isconfigured so that the first and second pivot pole assemblies can becoupled together. Coupling may be through the base plate. In otherinstances, the poles may be coupled together, and this may beaccomplished by the use of a rigid or a resilient member.

In particular embodiments, the poles are longitudinally compressible andmay further include a resilient element therein. In other instances, thepoles may be configured so that their length may be varied.

The system may further include one or more weights which are affixableto the pole. The system may also include a resistance device associatedwith the base plate and the pole. In yet other instances, the system mayinclude a device for selectively immobilizing the pole relative to thebase plate. The pole may include handgrips, lanyards, reflectivefeatures and the like, and in some instances, the pole may be made to bedetachable from the base plate. The device of the present invention maybe used in a variety of exercise programs, and may be incorporated intoa kit which includes instructional materials, additional exercisedevices, training aids and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of pivot pole assemblywhich may be used in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detachable weight which may beincorporated into the present system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present inventionwhere the base plates of two pivot pole assemblies are configured to bejoinable;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of coupling member as used tojoin the pole portions of two pivot pole assemblies in accord with thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of another embodiment of coupling member whichcan be used to join two pivot pole assemblies in accord with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a resistance device which may beincorporated into the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a longitudinallycompressible pole which may be used in the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a member for selectively immobilizing thepole portion of the pivot pole assembly relative to the base portionthereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to exercise equipment and comprises asystem of exercise equipment which is simple in construction,lightweight, portable and easy to use. As will be explained hereinbelow,the system of the present invention may be utilized in conjunction witha variety of exercise programs ranging from high-intensity aerobicexercise to rehabilitative physical therapy programs directed to personswith limited mobility. The system of the present invention may beutilized on its own or in conjunction with other equipment such astreadmills, exercise balls, balance devices, stair steppers and thelike.

The system of the present invention includes at least two pivot poleassemblies. One particular embodiment of pivot pole assembly is shown inFIG. 1 at reference numeral 10. The pivot pole assembly 10 includes abase plate 12 which is configured to rest on a floor or other supportsurface during the use of the invention. In the illustration of FIG. 1,the base plate 12 is a generally planar member having a rectangularshape; however, it is to be understood that the base plate may beotherwise configured. The base plate may be variously sized; however, inparticular embodiments, the length of the base plate will be in therange of 10-20 inches, and its width will be in the range of 3-20inches. In many instances, the base plate will include a nonslipmaterial such as rubber, suction cups, or the like on at least itsbottom surface.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the second portion of the assembly 10 iscomprised of a pole 14 which is pivotally connected to the base portion12 by a universal joint 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the universaljoint 16 is a ball-and-socket joint. However, a universal joint isunderstood to mean a joint which allows for at least two axis movementof the pole 14 relative to the base plate 12, as is indicated by arrowA; and in that regard, it will be appreciated that a universal joint maybe otherwise configured. For example, a universal joint may comprise amulti-hinge arrangement such as a dual yoke joint of the type used in avariety of mechanical applications. Likewise, the universal joint may becomprised of one or more living hinges. As is understood in the art, aliving hinge is a hinge which includes no discrete parts which moverelative to one another, but relies upon flexing and/or bending of amaterial, typically a polymeric material, to provide for a hinge action.Therefore, it is to be understood that the term “universal joint” is tobe given an expansive interpretation so as to include all devices andmembers which allow for an action of the pole relative to the plate asis generally indicated by arrow A.

The pivot pole assembly 10 of FIG. 1 further illustrates other,optional, features of the present invention. For example, as isillustrated, the pole 14 includes a handgrip portion 18 at one endthereof, and this handgrip further includes a lanyard 20. Typically, thepole will have a length in the range of 3-5 feet, depending on theheight of the user and/or the type of exercise being carried out. As isfurther illustrated in FIG. 1, the pole 14 has an adjustable length, andin this regard, it is configured as a telescoping pole which includes alocking ring 22 for selectively immobilizing the telescoping portions ofthe pole 14 relative to one another. It is to be understood that otherprovisions may be made for altering the length of the pole. For example,a telescoping pole may include a detent mechanism comprised of aspring-loaded button operating in cooperation with a series of throughholes for selectively immobilizing the pole at various lengths. In yetother instances, length adjustability may be achieved by the use of anumber of discrete segments affixable to one another, as for example bythreading. Yet other arrangements for providing length adjustability arecontemplated within the scope of the present invention as are poles offixed lengths.

In accord with another feature of the present invention, an optional,selectively positionable, weight 24 is shown in FIG. 1 as being attachedto the pole. This weight, which is illustrated in greater detail in FIG.2, comprises a hinged, dual segment member configured to fit around aportion of the length of the pole and to snap thereonto. As isunderstood in the art, further fastening mechanisms such as elasticbands, mechanical connectors and the like may be used to aid inretaining the weight. It is also to be understood that otherconfigurations of weight may be used in the present invention. In someinstances, the weight may be incorporated into the handgrip. Typically,the weight will be in the range of 1-5 pounds, but other variations arealso contemplated. While use of a weight is not necessary in allinstances, it has been found that inclusion of a weight can furtherenhance the utility of the invention by providing increased resistancethereby enhancing the beneficial effect of an exercise carried out usingthe present system.

As discussed above, the exercise system of the present inventionincludes two pivot pole assemblies, and in a typical implementation, thepivot pole assemblies will be generally identical. In a typical exerciseprogram, a user will grasp one pivot pole assembly in each hand andexecute a series of exercise movements which can include twisting,squatting, bending and the like. The assemblies may be positioned oneither side of the user or they may be in front of the user, behind theuser, or in some other combination of placements. The user may bestanding or seated. As noted above, the system of the present inventionmay be used in combination with other exercise equipment, and in thatregard, the user may be positioned on a treadmill, on a balance board,or on some other type of device. In some instances, the exercise systemof the present invention may be used in an aquatic environment. It hasbeen found that the system of the present invention can aid inmaintaining a user's balance, and can also be used to provide increasedresistance and enhanced training.

In some instances, it may be desirable to couple the two pivotassemblies together for specific exercise programs. Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown a first pivot pole assembly 26 and a second,generally similar, pivot pole assembly 28. Each pivot pole assemblyincludes a pole 30 coupled to a base plate 32 via a universal joint 34.In the FIG. 3 embodiment, the base plates 32 a, 32 b are configured soas to be mechanically interlockable, and in his regard may includecoupling features which include corresponding dovetail tabs and recesseswhich enable the base plates to be locked together. Other couplingfeatures, as is known in the art, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, maybe similarly employed. As illustrated, the coupling features aredisposed on two edges of each of the base plates; however, it is to beunderstood that all edges may be configured to include couplingfeatures. Also, while coupling features are shown as being integral withthe base plates, coupling may be also be accomplished by a separatemember, such as a coupling bar, affixable to join the two platestogether.

In other instances, it may be desirable to couple the pole portions oftwo pivot pole assemblies together, with or without coupling the bases,and such may be accomplished in various manners. For example, FIG. 4shows a coupler 36 which is configured to couple two poles 38 a, 38 bportions of which are shown in FIG. 4) together. The coupler 36 includesa rigid center rod having pole engaging portions 40 a, 40 b at eitherend thereof. As illustrated, the coupling member 36 is a rigid member.However, in other instances, the coupling member may be a flexiblemember such as a length of chain, a hinged member, a jointed member orthe like so as to allow for some further degree of motion between thecoupled poles.

In yet other instances, the coupling member may be a resilient couplingmember as is shown at reference numeral 42 in FIG. 5. The couplingmember 42 of FIG. 5 includes a central, resilient portion 44 defined bya coil spring, and further includes couplers 46 a, 46 b for engaging thepoles. The coupler of FIG. 5 may be configured so that the spring isreplaceable. In this manner, the degree of resiliency of the couplingmay be selectably adjusted. In yet other embodiments, the resilientportion may be comprised of a body of an elastomeric material such assynthetic or natural rubber. In still other instances, the resilientportion may be comprised of a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder,or any other such variable resistance device. The resilient portion ofthis connector may be exposed, as shown in the figure, or it may beenclosed in a telescoping or otherwise expandable sheath.

The couplers, 46 a, 46 b are configured to engage, and be retained by,the poles; and various mechanical arrangements for doing so will beapparent to those of skill in the art. For example, the poles mayinclude detent features such as lips or other protrusions which engagecorresponding features on the couplers 46 a, 46 b. In some instances,the poles may include a series of holes, slots, or other such openingswhich are engaged by corresponding portions of the couplers.Furthermore, such coupling features may also be used to retain othermembers, such as the weights, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, on thepoles.

The coupling member may, in some instances, include one or morehandgrips. These handgrips may be integral with, or separately attachedto, the coupling member, and in some instances, they may be pivotable.These handgrips may be used with coupling members that have rigidcentral portions, as in FIG. 4 as well as with those that have flexibleor resilient central portions. Also, the coupling member may includerigid portions as well as resilient portions. The couplers (40 a, 40 bin FIG. 4; 46 a, 46 b in FIG. 5) may also include a resilient bodytherein, and in this regard, will allow for relative motion of thecentral portion of the coupler in relation to the poles. Other suchmodifications will also be apparent to those of skill in the art.

Yet other modifications and variations of the exercise system of thepresent invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Forexample, FIG. 6 shows a portion of a pivot pole assembly 48 whichincorporates a resistance device for increasing the resistance requiredto pivot the pole relative to the base plate. In the FIG. 6 embodiment,a pole 50 (a portion of which is illustrated) is coupled to a base plate52 via a universal joint 54 as previously described. This mechanicalarrangement will allow for pivotal action as described above. However,the assembly 48 of FIG. 6 further includes a resistance devicecomprised, in this instance, of four separate elastic cords 56 a-56 dwhich couple the pole 50 to the base plate 52. These elastic cordsincrease the amount of effort required to pivot the pole 50. Similarresistance could be achieved through the use of springs. Also, whilefour elastic members are shown, a larger or smaller number may beutilized. In yet other instances, resistance may be provided by otherconfigurations known in the art. For example, resistance of theuniversal joint 54, itself, may be increased by various art-knownmethods such as inclusion of a frictional wedge into the joint,inclusion of a tightenable collar and the like.

As discussed above, the pole portion of the pivot pole assembly may beconfigured to be length adjustable. However, in accord with a furtherembodiment of the present invention, the pole portions may be madelongitudinally compressible so that in the use of the device, the usermay actively vary the length of the pole. Such may be accomplished bythe use of telescoping joints, accordion pleated polymeric bodies andother such mechanical arrangements. Referring now to FIG. 7, there isshown a cutaway view of a portion of a longitudinally compressible pole60 which may be utilized in the present invention. In the FIG. 7illustration, the pole 60 is comprised of a first segment 62 and asecond segment 64 which fit together in a telescoping relationship suchthat the first segment 62 is free to slide within the interior of thesecond segment 64. As further illustrated in FIG. 7, a coil spring 66 isdisposed within the second segment 64 so that the spring 66 iscompressed as the first segment 62 is advanced into the second segment64. In this manner, the pole 60 is compressible and resilient in thelongitudinal direction as indicated by arrow B. It is to be understoodthat other resilient bodies may be used in substitution for the coilspring 66 and these include bodies of polymeric material as well asmechanical arrangements such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. Use ofa longitudinally compressible pole further expands the exercisecapabilities of the system of the present invention since suchcompressibility can allow a user to execute movements includingsquatting, bending, pushing and pulling, while further enhancing muscletone. And the pole assembly which includes the longitudinallycompressible pole may be used either singly or in combination with otherpole assemblies in a variety of exercise programs.

In some instances, it may be desirable to immobilize the pole portion ofthe pivot pole assembly relative to the base portion. Suchimmobilization may be advantageous when the equipment is not in use, andalso for some specific types of exercise or therapy. This may be readilyaccomplished by a number of relatively simple arrangements. FIG. 8 is anillustration of a base plate 68 and pole portion 70 of a pivot poleassembly further including a generally funnel shaped immobilizing device72 which is disposed so as to prevent the pole 70 from pivoting relativeto the base plate 68. The immobilizing device 72 fits onto the pole 70and engages the base plate. When not in use, the immobilizing device 72may be slid upward on the pole, and may be retained in place by a detentmechanism (not shown) as is known in the art. Other embodiments ofimmobilizing device including slidable pegs, pins, collars, and thelike, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Other modifications and variations of the exercise system may beimplemented. For example, in some instances, the pole portions, or atleast a segment of the length of the pole portions, may be disengagedfrom the remainder of the pole assemblies. In this manner, thedisengaged poles may be used for other purposes such as balance poles,trekking poles and the like. In such instances, the poles may includelight-reflective tape, paint or other features thereupon to enhancetheir visibility. In yet other instances, the poles may include featuressuch as cuffs, bands or the like which will allow them to be joined toarms, legs, or other portions of a user's body.

Also within the scope of this invention are exercise programs whichutilize the disclosed exercise system. Such programs may be implementedthrough use of a kit of materials which can include two or more of thepole assemblies together with instructional materials in the form of aprinted manual, audio recording and/or video recording. Such exerciseprograms may include aerobic programs, strength building programs, aswell as flexibility building programs including yoga, tai chi and thelike. Such programs may also include rehabilitative programs such asphysical therapy programs and occupational therapy programs.

Still other implementations of the present invention will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art in view of the teaching presentedherein. The foregoing drawings, discussion and description areillustrative of some specific embodiments of the invention, but are notmeant to be limitations upon the practice thereof. It is the followingclaims, including all equivalents, which define the scope of theinvention.

1. An exercise system, said system comprising: a first and a secondpivot pole assembly, each pivot pole assembly comprising: a base platewhich is configured to rest on a floor during the use of the system, anda pole portion which is pivotally connected to the base portion by auniversal joint; wherein said first and second pivot pole assemblies areconfigured so that they may be mechanically coupled together.
 2. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein said system is configured so thatthe base plate of the first pivot pole assembly may be mechanicallycoupled to the base plate of the second pivot pole assembly.
 3. Theexercise system of claim 1, further including a coupler for joining thepole portion of the first pivot pole assembly to the pole portion of thesecond pivot pole assembly.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein saidcoupler is a rigid coupler.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein saidcoupler is a resilient coupler.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein saidcoupler includes at least one handgrip associated therewith.
 7. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pole portions ofsaid first and second pivot pole assemblies is longitudinallycompressible.
 8. The exercise system of claim 7, wherein saidlongitudinally compressible pole includes a resilient element disposedand operable to bias said longitudinally compressible pole toward itsnoncompressed state.
 9. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein lielength of at least one of said pole portions of said first and secondpivot pole assemblies is adjustable.
 10. The exercise system of claim 1,further including at least one weight which is affixable to the poleportion of at least one of said first and second pivot pole assemblies.11. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said firstand second pivot pole assemblies includes a resistance device associatedwith the base portion and/or the pole portion thereof said resistancedevice being disposed and operable so as to provide a resistance tomovement of said pole portion relative to said base portion.
 12. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein in at least one of said first andsecond pivot pole assemblies, the pole portion thereof may beselectively immobilized relative to the base portion thereof.
 13. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein said universal joint comprises amember selected from the group consisting of: a ball-and-socket joint, adouble yoke joint, a living hinge, and combinations thereof.
 14. Theexercise system of claim 1, wherein in at least one of said first andsecond pivot pole assemblies, the pole portion is selectively detachablefrom the base portion.
 15. The exercise system of claim 1, wherein in atleast one of said first and second pivot pole assemblies, the poleportion includes a handgrip.
 16. The exercise system of claim 1, furtherincluding a body of instructional material describing an exerciseprogram which may be implemented with the use of the first and secondpivot pole assemblies.
 17. An exercise device comprising: a base platewhich is configured to rest on a floor during the use of the system; anda longitudinally compressible pole portion which is pivotally connectedto the base plate by a universal joint.
 18. An exercise system whichcomprises two of the exercise devices of claim 17.